Gridiron Goliath KJ Duff Looms Over USC Secondary
Rutgers junior receiver KJ Duff, a 6-foot-6 former four-star recruit, exploded for 60 catches, 1,084 yards, and seven touchdowns in 2025, including a 241-yard standout performance against Purdue. Duff’s blend of tight end size and receiver agility made him a national statistical leader, topping contested catches. His upcoming duel with USC’s secondary in week four serves as a proving ground for the Trojans’ cornerback depth chart, which features veterans and newcomers like Jontez Williams, Marcelles Williams, Chasen Johnson, RJ Sermons, and Elbert Hill. How USC’s defensive back rotation handles Duff may foreshadow their fate against other big-framed playmakers this season.
Isn’t it adorable when colleges treat massive slot receivers like art installations? Imagine the Trojans fumbling over whether to assign Duff a cornerback, a cornerback plus an emotional support linebacker, or just unleash a chihuahua with trust issues. Meanwhile, Rutgers probably has a “Hug KJ” therapy group queued up to celebrate contested catches. Rest assured, USC’s coaching staff will break down hundreds of GIFs of Duff’s hands, then conclude their only solution is to chain every DB to the goalpost. Defensive innovation in 2026: one cornerback, two goalposts, and a foam finger waving frantically in case Duff gets bored.
Tackle Tussle: USC vs. Texas in a Recruitment Rumble
Five-star offensive tackle Austin Attalah, standing at 6-8 and 270 pounds, has narrowed his 2028 college decision to eight finalists including USC, Texas, and Texas Tech. The Cajon High School star split his spring visits between USC and Texas, later adding Texas Tech and Ohio State. With grandparents in Texas and loyalty to California, Attalah remains torn, acknowledging USC’s renewed national ambitions under upgraded donor support. USC’s offensive line coach Zach Hanson has heavily pursued Attalah, issuing an official offer in May after spring practices and visits. Attalah ranks among the nation’s top junior prospects and figures prominently in USC’s list of ten potential 2028 tackle targets.
Seems like every summer these days, five-star linemen book more campus tours than an indie rock band on a reunion tour. Poor Coach Hanson has had to juggle drawing chalk diagrams at USC, Texas, and Texas Tech while maintaining a mild caffeine addiction. Attalah’s family ranch visits in Texas probably include pep rallies featuring life-size cutouts of Ronnie Lott giving thumbs-up. USC’s donors are so pumped they’re rumored to be commissioning stadium hot dogs shaped like offensive tackles. At this rate, recruiting looks less like talent evaluation and more like a gladiator reality show—may the best campus gift bag win.
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